1) Working capital management involves the management of:
A) current and long-term assets.
B) current assets and current liabilities.
C) current liabilities and long-term assets.
D) current liabilities and long-term debt and equity.

2) The cash conversion cycle:
A) is a subset of the operating cycle.
B) occurs in the latter stages of the operating cycle.
C) is a subset of the accounts receivable period.
D) all of the above.

4) TrinityApps Corporation (US) has bid a price on a project for a Korean firm, but the Korean firm has not yet placed an order. This portion of the operating cycle is best described as the:
A) quotation period.
B) input sourcing period.
C) cash conversion cycle.
D) accounts payable cycle.

5) The period in the cash cycle where the customer places the order, and the firm determines what materials for manufacture are NOT in inventory is called the ________ period.
A) quotation
B) input sourcing
C) accounts payable
D) accounts receivable

6) The accounts payable period of the operating cycle:
A) is equal to the inventory period.
B) may run concurrently but shorter than the inventory period.
C) may run concurrently but longer than the inventory period.
D) Any one of the above may be true.

True/False

1) Typically, the inventory period and the accounts payable period at least partially overlap in the firms operating cycle.

2) Typically, the inventory period and the accounts receivable period at least partially overlap in the firms operating cycle.

3) The operating cycle begins with the quotation period and ends with the accounts payable period.

19.2 Trident’s Repositioning Decisions

Multiple Choice

1) Of the following, which would NOT be a significant decision-making factor in a multinational firm’s repositioning decision-making?
A) the subsidiary’s tax environment (high or low)
B) the stability of the local currency
C) the ability to move capital in and out of the subsidiary’s country
D) All of the above are significant factors.

True/False

1) In a country with a relatively high tax rate, it make sense the the MNE to reposition cash flows TO that country.

2) The MNE would prefer to leave capital with a firm in a country with high growth prospects over the alternative of leaving capital with a firm in a country with low growth prospects (other factors equal).

19.3 Constraints on Repositioning Funds

Multiple Choice

1) Each of the following is listed by your authors as a constraint on repositioning funds by an MNE EXCEPT:
A) political constraints.
B) tax constraints.
C) transaction costs.
D) All of the above are listed by your authors.

2) The constraints on repositioning of funds that occur when exchanging one currency for another are considered to be primarily political constraints.

3) Political constraints can block the transfer of funds either overtly or covertly. OVERT blockage occurs when dividends or other forms of fund remittances are severely limited, heavily taxed, or excessively delayed by the need for bureaucratic approval.

2) Unbundling of funds by an MNE may be a useful practice for which of the following reasons?
A) An increase in the funds flow (charges) in any of the before-tax categories reduces the taxable profits of the foreign subsidiary if the host-country tax authorities acknowledge the charge as a legitimate expense.
B) An item-by-item matching of remittance to input, such as royalties for intellectual property, and fees for patents and advice, is equitable to the host country and foreign investor alike.
C) Unbundling facilitates allocation of overhead from a parent”s international division, so-called shared services, to each operating subsidiary in accordance with a predetermined formula.
D) All of the reasons listed above

True/False

1) If all investment inputs are unbundled, part of what might have been classified as residual profits may turn out to be tax-deductible expenses related to a specific purchased benefit.

2) The before-tax/after-tax distinction is quite significant to a parent company attempting to repatriate funds in the most tax-efficient method if it is attempting to manage its own foreign tax credit/deficits between foreign units.

19.5 International Dividend Remittances

Multiple Choice

1) In anticipation of a foreign exchange loss, an MNE may speed up the transfer of funds out of the company via dividends. When undertaking such an activity the MNE must be concerned with all of the following EXCEPT:
A) interest rate differences between the two countries.
B) the negative impact on host country relations.
C) defection on the part of executives in the home headquarters.
D) MNEs must be concerned with all of the above.

True/False

1) Political risk may motivate parent firms to require foreign subsidiaries to remit all locally generated funds above that required to internally finance growth in sales and planned capital expansions.

2) Which of the following actions will result in an increase in NWC?
A) an increase in A/P that exceeds an increase in A/R
B) a reduction in inventory
C) a reduction in A/P plus a smaller reduction in A/R
D) an increase in A/P and a smaller reduction in inventory

3) Which of the following statements is true?
A) A/R provide part of the funding for inventory.
B) A/P provide part of the funding for A/R and inventory.
C) Inventory pays for A/R and A/P.
D) None of the above is true.

Instruction 19.1:
Use the information to answer the following question(s).

Sunny Manufacturing Systems Inc. is supplied with plastic chips for their plastic injection molding manufacturing process. Their supplier, Sun Chemical, Inc. offers financing terms of a 2% discount if the accounts payable are paid in 10 days or less with the full balance due in 45 days. Short-term financing available to Sunny Manufacturing is available at an annual rate of 9.6%. Sunny Manufacturing has just purchased $400,000 of plastic chips from Sun Chemical.

7) Refer to Instruction 19.1. What is the amount of money Sunny Manufacturing will save on accounts payable if they accept the discount?
A) $400,000
B) $8,000
C) $33,333
D) $20,000

9) Refer to Instruction 19.1. Should Sunny Manufacturing take the discount offered by Sun Chemical?
A) Yes, Sunny Manufacturing will get to use their raw materials 35 days earlier than if they waited to pay at the end of the 45 days.
B) No, Sunny Manufacturing will not have to pay any interest if they just pay in 45 days.
C) Yes, Sunny Manufacturing’s short term borrowing rate of 9.6% is less than Sun’s offered cost of carry of 22.9%.
D) No, it costs Sunny Manufacturing 22.9% to accept the discount and they are better off paying the full amount in 45 days.

10) Days working capital is equal to:
A) days payables + days receivables – days inventory.
B) days inventory + days receivables – days payables.
C) days payables + days inventory + days receivables.
D) none of the above

11) Amundsen of Norway receives raw materials from their corporate parent in the U.S. with payment terms of net 60 days. Most of their sales are to firms in Norway where normal payment terms are net 30 days. This causes a problem for the subsidiary with working capital management because:
A) accounts receivable are so much longer than accounts payable.
B) accounts payable are so much longer than accounts receivable.
C) accounts receivable and accounts payable are equal.
D) This doesn’t really cause a problem; in fact it is to the benefit of the Norwegian subsidiary.

True/False

1) In principle, the firm tries to minimize its NWC balance.

2) Other things equal, managers prefer a lower “days working capital” to a higher one.

3) The authors present empirical evidence that shows the days sales basis for working capital to be 30 days GREATER in the U.S. compared to a similar industry in Europe.

Essay

1) What is a free-trade zone? Identify three techniques and provide examples of how firms and countries can benefit from having free trade zones.

19.7 International Cash Management

Multiple Choice

1) Other things equal, a firm would rather have ________ in a depreciating currency, and ________ in an appreciating currency.
A) accounts receivable; accounts payable
B) accounts receivable; accounts receivable
C) accounts payable; accounts receivable
D) none of the above

2) Which of the following is NOT a precautionary motive for holding cash?
A) Anticipated funds to be remitted from several Middle East countries are in question due to unrest in the region.
B) The firm has several short-term obligations in unhedged foreign currency-denominated contracts.
C) The firm must pay ordinary wages in two days.
D) All are precautionary motives.

3) Increases to cash flows can be anticipated if which of the following occurs?
A) A receivables contract is denominated in an appreciating foreign currency.
B) Sales are less than anticipated.
C) Days in accounts receivable increase by 15 days.
D) none of the above

4) A centralized depository benefits the firm primarily by:
A) reducing the cost of repatriating funds.
B) positioning profits where taxes are lowest.
C) reducing the total amount of capital employed within the total firm.
D) earning a higher rate of return than in domestic banking deposits.

5) The Clearing House Interbank Payment System (CHIPS) is:
A) the largest publicly operated payments system in the world.
B) owned and operated by the world’s seven largest central banks.
C) a computerized network that connects banks globally.
D) none of the above

6) An organizational structure employed by an MNE to reduce its use of bank lending for the support of operations is:
A) a centralized depository.
B) a reinvoicing center.
C) a cost center.
D) a syndicated bank.

4) A significant problem with centralized cash depositories is that they are isolated from the rest of the firm and tend to be at an information disadvantage.

5) A reason for holding all precautionary balances in a central pool is that the total pool, if centralized, can be reduced in size without any loss in the level of protection.

6) A disadvantage of a centralized cash management system is that managers will not be able to get the lowest average rate available for the firm. Instead, it misses out on the really low borrowing rates.

Essay

1) Central depositories are used for international cash management. What is a central depository? Identify and provide examples of at least three advantages to MNEs of having a central depository.

19.8 Financing Working Capital

Multiple Choice

1) A precautionary cash balance:
A) is used to replace spoiled or damaged inventory.
B) is held to facilitate cash disbursements when receipts slow down.
C) is used for normal day-to-day operations.
D) is held for the benefit of a sister affiliate.

2) An in-house bank:
A) is a separate bank chartered to operate within a business firm.
B) is in fact a set of functions performed by the firm’s existing treasury department.
C) assesses the credit standing of the bank’s customers.
D) provides banking services for employees.

3) A foreign banking office that is separately incorporated in the host country is:
A) a correspondent bank.
B) a representative office.
C) a bank subsidiary.
D) an Edge Act corporation.

True/False

1) An Edge Act corporation is a subsidiary of a U.S. bank located outside of the U.S. and incorporated to engage in international banking and financing operations.

2) Because they are direct payments, dividends are among the most efficient way for foreign subsidiaries to remit funds back to the parent.

3) Even though dividends are cash payments, firms typically must consider both cash flow and net income when making dividend distribution decisions.

Chapter 20 International Trade Finance

20.1 The Trade Relationship

Multiple Choice

1) The exporter-importer relationship to a corporation of a foreign importer that has not previously conducted business with the firm would be an:
A) unaffiliated known.
B) affiliated party.
C) unaffiliated unknown.
D) any of the above

2) Which of the following relationships between importing and exporting parties would require the least detailed contract to conduct business?
A) affiliated party
B) unaffiliated unknown party
C) known unaffiliated party
D) domestic supplier

3) Polaris Corporation has made an agreement to ship goods to a foreign firm with whom they have not entered into a contract for three years. However, the firms have communicated regularly since the last sale three years ago. This is an example of an:
A) unaffiliated known party transaction.
B) unaffiliated unknown party transaction.
C) affiliated party transaction.
D) none of the above

True/False

1) Today, international trade is dominated by transactions between unaffiliated parties (known or unknown).

2) Because most international transactions are between affiliated parties, international transaction contracts are less complex, but the management of the total value of the MNE is more complex.

3) An advantage of trading with an affiliated party for an MNE, compared to an unaffiliated party, could be reduced contracting costs and less to even no need to protect against nonpayment.

20.2 The Trade Dilemma

Multiple Choice

1) Which of the following is NOT a financial instrument that may be included in an international trade transaction?
A) Letter of Credit
B) Sight Draft
C) Order bill of lading
D) Federal funds transaction

True/False

1) The fundamental dilemma of foreign trade is being unwilling to trust a stranger in a foreign land.

20.3 Benefits of the System

Multiple Choice

1) The combination of a letter of credit, a sight draft, and an order bill of lading protect both parties in international transactions from which of the following?
A) the risk of noncompletion
B) the risk of foreign exchange risk (when combined with a various hedging techniques)
C) the risk that financing will not be available due to foreign exchange risk
D) All of these risks are reduced when using these trade implements.

True/False

1) If a foreign exchange transaction calls for payment in the importer’s currency, the exporter has the foreign exchange risk.

2) If a foreign exchange transaction calls for payment in the exporter’s currency, the importer has the foreign exchange risk.

3) In the case of international trade, the risk of nonpayment is essentially eliminated with the use of a letter of credit issued through a trustworthy bank.

20.4 Key Documents

Multiple Choice

1) Which of the following is NOT true regarding a letter of credit?
A) The importer and exporter agree on a transaction.
B) The importer applies to its local bank for the issuance of a letter of credit.
C) The exporter applies to its local bank for the issuance of a letter of credit.
D) The importer’s bank cuts a sales contract based on its assessment of the creditworthiness of the importer.

2) A/An ________ letter of credit is intended to serve as a means of arranging payment, but not as a guarantee of payment.
A) irrevocable
B) revocable
C) confirmed
D) unconfirmed

4) A letter of credit that is confirmed in the ________ country has the additional advantage of eliminating the problem of ________.
A) exporter’s; portfolio risk
B) importer’s; blocked foreign exchange
C) exporter’s; blocked foreign exchange
D) none of the above

10) Which of the following purposes is NOT served by the bill of lading?
A) It acts as a receipt.
B) It acts as a contract.
C) It acts as a document of title.
D) It acts as all of the above.

11) The ________ is issued to the exporter by a common carrier transporting the merchandise.
A) bill of lading
B) draft
C) banker’s acceptance
D) line of credit

12) A straight bill of lading is most likely to be used under which of the following circumstances?
A) when the merchandise has not been paid for in advance
B) when the transaction is being financed by a bank
C) when the shipment is to an affiliate
D) none of the above

13) To become a negotiable instrument, a draft must conform to the following requirements EXCEPT:
A) it must be in writing and signed by the maker or drawer.
B) it must be payable to order or to bearer.
C) it must be written in English.
D) it must be payable on demand or at a fixed or determinable future date.

True/False

1) A letter of credit is an agreement by the bank to pay against documents rather than the actual merchandise.

2) The primary advantage of a letter of credit is that it reduces risk.

3) The major advantage of a letter of credit to the exporter is that the exporter does not receive any funds until the documents have arrived at a local port or airfield.

4) To constitute a true letter of credit transaction, the issuing bank must receive a fee or other valid business consideration for issuing the L/C.

5) To constitute a true letter of credit transaction, the bank’s L/C must contain a specified expiration date or a definite maturity.

6) To constitute a true letter of credit transaction, the bank’s commitment must be open-ended and cannot have a stated maximum amount of money.

7) A revocable L/C is intended to serve as a means of arranging payment but not as a guarantee of payment.

8) A sight draft is payable on presentation to the drawee; a time draft allows a delay in payment.

9) A draft is sometimes called a revocable letter of credit.

10) A time draft is payable on presentation to the drawee; the drawee must pay at once or dishonor the draft. A sight draft, allows a delay in payment.

11) The bill of lading is issued to the exporter by a common carrier transporting the merchandise. It serves three purposes: a receipt, a contract, and a document of title.

Essay

1) Explain what a letter of credit (L/C) is, who the principle parties are, what the principle advantage is, and how the L/C facilitates international trade.

20.5 Example: Documentation in a Typical Trade Transaction

Multiple Choice

1) In a typical international trade transaction, the order of activity would be which of the following?
A) The foreign buyer places an order; The domestic manufacturer ships to the buyer; The manufacturer’s bank presents a draft and documents to the buyer’s bank for acceptance; The buyer’s bank submits payment to the manufacturer’s bank.
B) The domestic manufacturer ships to the buyer; The buyer’s bank submits payment to the manufacturer’s bank; The foreign buyer places an order; The domestic manufacturer ships to the buyer; The manufacturer’s bank presents a draft and documents to the buyer’s bank for acceptance.
C) The foreign buyer places an order; The manufacturer’s bank presents a draft and documents to the buyer’s bank for acceptance; The domestic manufacturer ships to the buyer; The buyer’s bank submits payment to the manufacturer’s bank.
D) The domestic manufacturer ships to the buyer; The manufacturer’s bank presents a draft and documents to the buyer’s bank for acceptance; The foreign buyer places an order; The buyer’s bank submits payment to the manufacturer’s bank.

True/False

1) Because of the risks involved in international trade, most transactions follow conventional methods and rarely require flexibility or creativity on the part of management.

Comment: Few international transactions are typical and often require flexibility or creativity on the part of management.

20.6 Government Programs to Help Finance Exports

Multiple Choice

1) The Export-Import Bank is an independent agency of the U.S. government established in 1934 to:
A) ship money abroad.
B) import agricultural products during the recession.
C) facilitate and stimulate foreign trade of the United States.
D) none of the above

2) In the United States, the Foreign Credit Insurance Corporation:
A) is a subsidiary of the Export-Import Bank.
B) provides letters of credit for U.S. importers.
C) provides letters of credit for U.S. exporters.
D) provides policies that protect U.S. exporters against default by foreign importers.

Instruction 20.1:
Use the information to answer the following question(s).

Cypress Systems Inc., of Florida, agrees to sell specialized hydroponic growing equipment to Landcaster’s of Australia. Because the two companies have never done business with each other, Cypress requires a banker’s acceptance as payment for the $1,000,000 order. The banker’s acceptance carries a 1.4% commission per annum and payment is to be received in 6 months. If Cypress Inc. chooses to discount or sell the bankers acceptance to its bank, the discount rate is 1.00% per annum.

3) Refer to Instruction 20.1. What is the size of the discount (not including the commission fee) Cypress must take for receiving the proceeds of the sale today rather than waiting for six months?
A) $7,000
B) $5,000
C) $12,000
D) $14.000

4) Refer to Instruction 20.1. What is the size of the commission Cypress will pay the bank for the banker’s acceptance?
A) $7,000
B) $5,000
C) $12,000
D) $14,000

5) Refer to Instruction 20.1. What is the total Cypress can expect to receive if the firm takes payment today?
A) $993,000
B) $995,000
C) $988,000
D) $996,000

7) Rogue Spices Inc. has a Canadian receivables contract for $200,000 due in 270 days. The firm has been approached by a factoring firm that offers to purchase the receivables at a 12% per annum discount plus a 1% charge for a nonrecourse clause. What is the annualized percentage all-in-cost of this factoring alternative?
A) 14.82%
B) 13.00%
C) 12.00%
D) 9.09%

True/False

1) The Foreign Credit Insurance Association is a branch of the U.S. federal government.

2) The Export-Import Bank (also called Eximbank) is an independent agency of the U.S. government, established in 1934 to stimulate and facilitate the foreign trade of the United States.

3) Essentially, the Eximbank lends dollars to borrowers inside the United States for the purchase of U.S. goods and services.

4) Banker’s acceptances can be used to finance only international trade receivables but not domestic trade receivables.

Essay

1) What is a banker’s acceptance? How are they initiated? Why are they desirable for the exporter?

20.7 Forfaiting: Medium- and Long-Term Financing

Multiple Choice

1) ________ is a specialized technique to eliminate the risk of nonpayment by importers in instances where the importing firm and/or its government is perceived by the exporter to be too risky for open account credit.
A) Forfeiting
B) Marketable Bank Shares
C) Forfaiting
D) Banker’s Acceptances

True/False

1) In effect, the forfaiter functions both as a money market firm and a specialist in packaging financial deals involving country risk.